In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, the desire to connect with friends globally or experience different gaming environments is increasingly common. If you find yourself in a new country yearning to play VALORANT with friends from afar or simply seeking a change of pace, fear not. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of changing your VALORANT region with ease.
How to Change Your VALORANT Region
Changing your VALORANT region is a straightforward process that requires just a few minutes of your time and an internet connection. Follow these simple steps:
- Open the VALORANT client and log in to your account.
- Click on the gear icon in the top right corner to access the Settings menu.
- Navigate to the 'Account' tab and click on 'Region Selection' at the bottom of the left sidebar.
- A list of available regions will appear. Click on the desired region, and your new choice will be highlighted in red.
- Restart the VALORANT client to apply the changes. After reopening, log in again, and you'll see your new region displayed at the top of the main menu.
Congratulations! Your matchmaking, leaderboards, and in-game store will now align with players in your newly selected region.
Understanding VALORANT Regions and Servers
Before delving into the process, it's crucial to comprehend how VALORANT's servers and regions function. Currently, VALORANT has servers in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Brazil, and Latin America. Each region boasts its own server cluster to maintain the separation of player data.
How to Submit a Region Transfer Request
To initiate a region change, you'll need to submit a request to Riot Support. Follow these steps:
- Visit support.riotgames.com and sign in with your Riot ID.
- Select "Region Transfer Request" as the issue.
- Confirm your eligibility by clicking the check button.
- Follow the prompts to submit your transfer request.
- If issues persist, manually submit a transfer request through the support page, providing clear details about your desired region change.
Allow 3-5 business days for Riot Support to review and process your request. Once approved, your entire VALORANT account, including content, progress, stats, and competitive rank, will transfer to the new region.
Changing Servers Within VALORANT
Should you wish to change servers within your selected region, follow these steps:
- Launch VALORANT and click 'Play' to access the mode selection screen.
- Look for the 'ping' icon above your name and click on it.
- Proceed to the server select screen, where a list of available servers will be displayed.
- Choose the servers with the optimal ping for an enhanced gaming experience.
Is VALORANT Region Locked?
While VALORANT isn't technically region-locked, your account is associated with a specific region upon creation. This choice influences the servers you connect to for matchmaking and in-game play.
To verify your current region or explore available options, open the Settings menu, select the Account tab, and check the Region selection. Signs of being in the wrong region include extended queue times, high ping, and playing with others who primarily speak a different language.
Considerations When Changing Your Region
Changing your VALORANT region is a viable option, but it comes with certain considerations:
- Your matchmaking rank (MMR) will reset, though your Act rank will remain.
- Starting over at level 1 of the battle pass.
- Potential differences in available agents, skins, and cosmetics in the new region's store.
- Ping and connection quality may vary based on your location.
To change your region, open the Settings menu, select the Account tab, choose a new region, and confirm your choice. Your Riot ID and purchased content will transfer, but some progress will reset. Carefully weigh the impact on your gaming experience before making the switch.
Tips for Changing and Playing on Different Regions
Changing your VALORANT region opens up opportunities to play with friends worldwide and experience diverse metas. Consider these tips for a seamless transition:
- Download the latest version of VALORANT for the new region, as file sizes may differ.
- Be aware that Collection, Battlepass progress, Competitive rank, and Match History do not transfer between regions.
- Adjust your playstyle to accommodate potentially higher ping when playing in distant regions.
- Familiarize yourself with the meta and player tendencies in your new region.
- Communicate with regional teammates, disclosing that you're from another region, to enhance collaboration.
Playing VALORANT with AstrillVPN
If you want to appear as though you're connecting to VALORANT from a specific region, AstrillVPN provides a solution. Follow these steps:
- Install AstrillVPN and sign in.
- Under the "Connection" tab, select your desired region.
- Choose a specific city or country for optimal performance.
- Enable the VPN connection and open the VALORANT client.
- Log in with your new account info.
While using a VPN to change regions is possible, be aware that it violates VALORANT's terms of service and may result in penalties if detected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change my Riot account from NA to EU?
Yes, you can change your VALORANT account region by adjusting the settings in the Riot Client. Navigate to Settings > General, choose "Europe" from the dropdown menu under "REGION," and save your settings.
Q: How do I change regions on the Riot client?
To change your region in the Riot Client, log in, click the "Settings" cog, select "General," choose your desired region, and save your settings.
Q: Which region is better in VALORANT?
The ideal region depends on factors such as ping, skill level, queue times, and preferred playstyles. Consider these aspects when choosing your VALORANT region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing your VALORANT region is a straightforward process that allows you to experience the game from a new perspective. By following this step-by-step guide and considering the tips provided, you can seamlessly transition between regions, enhancing your gaming experience and connecting with the global VALORANT community. Stay informed, communicate with teammates, and embrace the diversity of strategies and playstyles that each region offers. Happy gaming!
